NERSA External Bursary - Master's and PhD

1. 1

   Watch NERSA's website for the next External Bursary advert (the 2026 advert was posted in January 2026)

2. 2

   Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria and have an admission letter for a Master's or PhD degree from a South African university or university of technology

3. 3

   Prepare the compulsory supporting documents, including a motivation letter of about 500 words

4. 4

   No application form is required — email the documents to bursaries@nersa.org.za, or submit them by post or hand delivery

5. 5

   Address your submission for the attention of Ms Lena Rankhumise or Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza at the NERSA Human Resources Department, Kulawula House, 526 Madiba Street, Arcadia, Pretoria (postal: PO Box 40343, Arcadia, Pretoria 0007)

6. 6

   Submit before the closing date in the advert (the 2026 round closed on 12 February 2026) — applications missing any compulsory document are disregarded

7. 7

   Await assessment, including the financial means test, and selection feedback from the NERSA Human Resources Department

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the NERSA bursary worth?

There is no fixed value. NERSA determines the approved amount through a financial means test, within its set maximum and minimum assistance figures, based on your financial circumstances. The bursary can cover registration fees, tuition, accommodation and prescribed books or a laptop.

Who is eligible for the NERSA Master's and PhD bursary?

Previously disadvantaged South African citizens with a valid ID who hold an admission letter for a Master's or PhD degree at a South African university or university of technology, have an excellent academic record, are not holding any other bursary, and can demonstrate proven financial need. Your field of study should be relevant to NERSA's regulatory mandate over the electricity, piped-gas and petroleum pipelines industries.

How do I apply if there is no application form?

Email the compulsory supporting documents to bursaries@nersa.org.za, or post or hand-deliver them to the NERSA Human Resources Department in Arcadia, Pretoria, for the attention of Ms Lena Rankhumise or Mr Nkanyiso Magwaza. Required documents include a roughly 500-word motivation letter, a certified ID copy, your university acceptance letter, a certified academic record, your dissertation topic and abstract, and proof of household income with certified IDs of those persons.

When does the NERSA bursary open for 2027?

NERSA had not published a 2027 advert as of 12 October 2026. The 2026 round, for the 2026 academic year, was advertised in January 2026 and closed on 12 February 2026. Late submissions are not considered, so check NERSA's website regularly for the next advert.